Interview Prep Tips

As I’m sure you’re aware, the process of applying and being interviewed for a new job can be super nerve-wracking – especially if, like me, you struggle with mental health issues.

In the hope I can help you out with any pre-interview stresses and/or anxieties, I’ve compiled a list of tips which I wish I knew earlier!

I hope you find this post helpful, whether you’ve got your first interview coming up or you’re simply interested in gaining tips on preparation!

The Prep

You’ve got an interview – yay! You’re one step closer to making that sweet dollar. But it isn’t time to sit back and relax till the big day yet – you’ve got some planning to do.

Study Prep
– Research the company/organisation’s history in as much depth as you can – this gives you realistic expectations as to what *vibe* to expect at the interview
– Research the company/organisation’s competitors/industry/market
– Write down your answers to the following questions to remind yourself:
1. Why did you apply to X company?
2. What skills do you have that you can bring to the role?
3. What previous experience do you have in similar roles?
4. (In particular for students) How would the opportunity to work at X company benefit your future career/contribute to your career goals?
You’re bound to have subconsciously thought about the answers when applying, but it’s good to find a way to articulate it clearly in case the interviewer asks you!

Practical Prep
– Google maps is your new best friend – work out exactly how long it takes you to get there and which route is most efficient (I’d suggest going to the location a couple of days before if you can, so that you know exactly where it is)
– Consider the time of day your interview is scheduled at – this might affect your travel time (transport delays, rush hour, traffic, etc.)
– Plan your outfit – whether you’re interested in fashion or not, planning your outfit in advance automatically takes one less thing off your To Do list on the morning of the interview
– Speaking of outfit, wear something that makes you feel like the best version of you – happy, comfortable and confident!

The Big Day

Interview Handbag/Backpack Essentials
1. 2 x paper copies of your CV in case there are multiple interviewers and they didn’t print off your application (it happens!)
2. Water bottle
3. Phone (ON SILENT)
4. Wallet/purse (including some form of ID)
5. A pen (in case they ask you to fill out forms and don’t offer you a pen – if you’re like me you’ll probably worry that asking them for a pen portrays you as unorganised and incompetent)
6. A snack in case they’re running late and interview you an hour after your scheduled time (I ain’t salty)
7. Earphones (so you can listen to your favourite songs to get you hyped and feeling confident!)
8. An umbrella – if it rains you probably don’t want to turn up at an afternoon interview channeling just-out-of-the-shower chic (can you tell I live in the UK?)

The Interview: Before and After
– Don’t rely on public transport or taxi services – get ready early just in case of delays, traffic or surge prices (Uber problems, am I right?)
– Eat a good breakfast – get that caffeine and slow release energy so you can be fully awake, energised and ready to light up that (likely dull and mundane) interview room!
– Arrange to meet up with a friend afterwards/later that day if possible – if you’re unhappy with how it went it’ll be great to have someone close to you to pick you back up, and if it went well you can celebrate with them!

Remember, simply getting to the interview stage is such a wonderful achievement – just keep building on it and you’ll get where you want to be!

This post is so helpful! I really need to start making sure I eat before interviews because I don’t eat out of nerves then all I can think about when I’m being interviewed is how hungry I am and then I get nervous that my tummy is going to rumble